Opinions
City Notebook: Here’s the math on taxes
By COLLIN GALLANT on March 2nd, 2024
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant This column has attempted to inform folks over the years to how changes in tax rates and assessment work. Also, from time to time, income tax brackets, though that’s been mostly silent since the 2015 provincial election, and may not be tinkered with again until the 2027 election. Yet, on the property tax front, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Guest Opinion: Assumptions about irrigation agriculture expansion called into question
By Cheryl Bradley on February 29th, 2024
A recent article in the Lethbridge Herald (Feb 14, ‘AgriFood zone designation would benefit region, MLA tells County’) regarding designation of an AgriFood Processing Zone, contains assertions by MLA Grant Hunter to Lethbridge County Council that irrigation districts are making decisions about expanding by 300,000 acres and that more water storage is being built, paid ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Let’s Chat: An evening in Brooks
By Linda Tooth on February 28th, 2024
I recently went to Brooks for a fundraiser held by the Brooks Toy Library. I had never heard of this organization before but as a lover of books and kids I thought, why not. I was told the entertainment for the evening was a comedian who is also a medium and that they can make ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MP Report: Restoring transparency and accountability in government
By Glen Motz on February 28th, 2024
Ethical breaches, untendered contracts to well-connected insiders, and sealed or deleted documents to hide paper trails, are just a few of the sleazy methods the Trudeau Liberals use to circumvent transparency and accountability. Their abuse of power has led to allegations of fraud and corruption as they continue to misappropriate billions of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. It ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Noteworthy: Narrowing down seven deserving seniors is going to be a tough task
By Bruce Penton on February 28th, 2024
The announcement that the Community Foundation of Southern Alberta will hold a gala next year to honour Hatters by way of a Top 7 Under 70 program is heartening. Off the top of my head, I can think of more than seven seniors who would be deserving candidates. Deadline for nominations is Aug. 26. Event ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Economics 101: Has inflation bottomed out?
By Eric Van Enk on February 24th, 2024
This week’s chart highlights one of the key financial questions for 2024 – has inflation bottomed or will it continue to ease toward the 2% target of the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve? In the supplied chart, the red line represents U.S. inflation (Headline CPI) while the blue line represents the NFIB ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City notebook: More money, more problems
By COLLIN GALLANT on February 24th, 2024
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant It’s a popular opinion that Medicine Hat is behind the times on most things, but – popular opinion aside – it could be ahead of the curve when it comes to public finance. That would seem like a good thing, but not without a certain amount of unpopularity. This week area MLA and Premier ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MLA Report: Coming soon: Alberta’s next provincial budget
By Justin Wright on February 21st, 2024
This month’s MLA Report is to share an update on the resumption of our legislative session and the critical work ahead regarding the introduction and passage of the provincial budget. As your elected member of the legislative assembly, I am honoured to represent your interests and ensure your tax dollars are spent responsibly on programs ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Noteworthy: The inner struggle of self-checkouts
By Bruce Penton on February 21st, 2024
I’m of two minds when it comes to self-checkouts at grocery stores and other retail outlets. It’s certainly convenient to scan a few items yourself when the cashier-tended lines are longer than you’d prefer to wait. But the devil sitting on my shoulder whispers into my ear that due to my impatience, I’m helping to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Let’s Chat: Is Alberta inclusive
By Linda Tooth on February 21st, 2024
One of the most beautiful things in life is you can learn so much by asking questions. I have always said there are no stupid questions. As I immerse myself in what is going on in this province, I am learning so much about transgender people and the world that they live in by asking ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City Notebook: Watch out for live wires in power issue
By COLLIN GALLANT on February 17th, 2024
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Figuring out the future of electricity is like wrestling with a Rubik’s Cube, if the cube was somehow playing against you move for move. Thumb one piece into place, and two others fall out. It’s a tall task, but one that’s critically important in this city in this province. And there’s not a lot ... Read More »
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